Matthew Dereck Howell, Hobbs Act Robbery, Minnesota 2022

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Matthew Dereck Howell, 23, is facing over seven years behind bars after a ruthless spree of armed robberies targeting Minneapolis businesses earlier this year. Howell was sentenced to 88 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery.

The first incident occurred March 31, 2022, at the Dollar City Plus retail store. Howell stormed into the store while an accomplice kept watch outside. Brandishing a handgun, he aimed it directly at the store owner, demanding cash. In a chilling display of violence, Howell fired the weapon at the store owner, the bullet grazing his neck before Howell rifled through the register, making off with approximately $1,200.

Just days later, on April 3, 2022, Howell escalated his brazen behavior. He borrowed a white Cadillac and drove to Sam’s Market and Meat. Pretending to be a customer, Howell quickly pulled a black handgun on the clerk, threatening to shoot if his demands weren’t met. He snatched around $50 from the register before fleeing in the Cadillac. The same day, Howell continued his rampage, hitting Minneapolis Market, where he again brandished a handgun at an employee, stealing approximately $700.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Minneapolis Police Department, quickly zeroed in on Howell. Details of the co-conspirator in the first robbery remain undisclosed. The quick response by both agencies brought Howell to justice, preventing further harm to local business owners and employees.

The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Katherine M. Menendez. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura M. Provinzino and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Hudleston successfully prosecuted the case, presenting a clear picture of Howell’s dangerous and calculated actions. The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, made a statement affirming the commitment to prosecuting violent offenders.

Howell’s actions demonstrate a callous disregard for human life and the safety of the Minneapolis community. While the 88-month sentence offers some measure of justice, the scars – both physical and emotional – left on the victims will likely remain for years to come. The ATF’s St. Paul Field Division continues to investigate related cases and urges anyone with information about similar crimes to come forward.

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